This week, everything has turned around for me! I am going to my classroom multiple times a week now and my communication with my CE has became more stable. Last week, I decided to put together a calendar list of everything that was due for the semester. With a pretty lengthy document, it was easy for me to become overwhelmed. However, I keep telling myself that I will tackle one assignment at a time and will be successful as if I prioritize my time. Time management and routine are starting to mesh together, which is making my week go by faster and smoother.
I found a really interesting article on Edutopia that presented an awesome idea called "Change It Up With Integrated Learning Day". This article got my attention because it was about something I had never heard of before. To break it down for you in a quick manner, basically the entire school day is centered around one theme. Teachers are supposed to collaborate and pair up to create hands on workshops for the students to become engaged in and learn something out of them. During the article, it provides step by step how to build an integrated learning day. The steps are, as follows: Step 1. Create a buy-in
Step 2. Plan, collaborate, and plan some more
Step 3. Make it work
Step 4. Reflect on your accomplishments.
This idea actually was presented at an EdCamp, but if you would like to know more about how to "Change It Up With Integrated Learning Day", I really suggest you check out this article for more details!
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/change-it-up-integrated-learning-day-samantha-pack
The teaching standard that immediately popped into my head while reading this article was standard 1. Teachers demonstrate leadership. The ideas and actions that this article talks about models everything this standard emphasizes beautifully! Also, teaching standard number 5, reflect on one's practice; recognize the pros and cons of how the integrated day went. Reflect and remember what to change or improve for the next integrated day that is planned,
Do you think this would be something you would want to try in your school, or grade level?!!
I really like the idea for an EdCamp style work day for students! It would certainly change it up a bit and offer them some collaboration time and team building. It would also be a great differentiating tool for the school to offer motivational projects that really help students engage with one another as well as classmates of all different classes! I feel you on the course work, but it sounds like you have a great plan and outlook. We can certainly handle it! Great post Jessica!
ReplyDeleteJessica,
ReplyDeleteI am glad you're finding a routine that works for you! We are all feeling the burn, but I'm sure it's just nervous jitters for student teaching! I like the ideas you found in the article, which could really be a great project to implement in your school in the future. Good read!
Yes, it can be a little overwhelming that is for sure, but we do have to take it one assignment at a time. We are almost there! I love the idea of having a main theme throughout the school day and having various workshops to further implement that theme. I think that it sounds awesome, and I believe that the students would get so much out of that day as would the teachers. Awesome find, Jessica!
ReplyDeleteYes, it can be a little overwhelming that is for sure, but we do have to take it one assignment at a time. We are almost there! I love the idea of having a main theme throughout the school day and having various workshops to further implement that theme. I think that it sounds awesome, and I believe that the students would get so much out of that day as would the teachers. Awesome find, Jessica!
ReplyDeleteJessica,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I love that you shared this, because I think that it is so important to mix it up a bit and try new things. We need something to keep students involved and engaged. Personally, I think this would be a great way to do this. It would be really wonderful to get the whole school in on out and have the same theme, but different content.
Sounds like your getting settled into the semester! I'm still getting there, but you all keep me encouraged!
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteThis is such a cool idea! It is kind of like one big science fair, but with different content areas! This would be such a fun way to engage students, and give them some hands on experience. I know that I do much better with hands on, so this will be very effective and students will be engaged throughout the entire process. I also really like how they had a theme, like water, and that theme was seen throughout the content areas.
Jessica,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this idea about this style of learning in the classroom. Excellent. Now I am thinking about ways this could be done at GW. Keep on exploring this idea!
Jessica, what a great idea! Thanks for the resource! I think that is an excellent way for teachers to demonstrate leadership within their school! I like the idea of plotting out everything that is due this semester this is am idea that I am stealing, hope you don't mind!
ReplyDelete